3 Popular Skincare Products Dermatologists Won't Touch

A dermatologist's main job is to advise clients on what works best for their skin, but you can bet that they have their own skincare routines down to a science. Case in point: Well+Good's recent interview with Erin Madigan-Fleck, an Atlanta-based holistic aesthetician, and Natalie Moulton-Levy, MD, a New York–based dermatologist. While Madigan-Fleck reveals that she only uses products that "aren't complicated, but have antioxidants, critical nutrients for the skin, and any type of supportive oils," the two dished on the skincare products they avoid at all costs. Below, find out which products have no place in these two experts' medicine cabinets.

1. Anything with added fragrance. "I would never use a product with added fragrances," Moulton-Levy told the publication. "Heavily scented products often irritate the skin and can contribute to allergic reactions in some cases." What's more is that fragrances are largely unregulated by the FDA, and they're often filled with "scary synthetic or allergy-provoking chemicals."

2. The wrong sunscreens. As we've written before, not all sunscreens are created equal. "I would never use a sunscreen with an SPF below 30 or without both UVA- and UVB-blocking agents," said Moulton-Levy. Madigan-Fleck adds that mineral sunscreens, or those with titanium dioxide or zinc as a base, are the way to go. "My sunscreen never has a chemical base," she adds.

3. Harsh exfoliators. "I would never use any harsh exfoliators" like the ones found in many drugstore products, says Moulton-Levy. "My patients often come in saying they're using abrasive scrubs, but rough physical exfoliation can strip the skin, leading to dryness and irritation." This is especially important for people with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne.

Head over to Well+Good for more dermatologist insight, and share your skincare don'ts in the comments below.